Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualModerately SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
Moderately Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM DISTINCTION
•One of the few universities in the country to offer a BFA in Dramaturgy at the undergraduate level
•Excellent foundation for careers in dramaturgy, theatre history, directing, or playwriting, as well as graduate study
•Program is affiliated with Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA)
TRAINING
•Professional dramaturges work with playwrights on new play development and alongside directors during production
•Curriculum includes theatre history, dramatic literature, dramatic structures, directing, and a four-semester Dramaturgy Studio sequence
•Students gain cross-disciplinary exposure through the Drama Core (acting, design, stagecraft, lighting, costume construction)
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Helmerich School of Drama alumni include A. Max Weitzenhoffer, Broadway producer and Tony Award winner for The Will Rogers Follies; he also owns six West End theatres in London
•Fellow school alumni Adam Honore ('15, Lighting Design) — first OU drama alum to head a Broadway lighting design (Chicken & Biscuits, Ragtime, Purlie Victorious); 2024 Obie Award winner
•Ed Harris — four-time Oscar nominee and Obie Award winner who began his career at OU
•School-wide alumni include Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award winners
CAREER PREPARATION
•Low student-to-faculty ratio; curriculum taught by working professionals who maintain national profiles
•Summer internship and professional work encouraged by faculty
•OU is a recognized four-star research institution providing liberal arts education alongside conservatory training
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2026
Scholarship DeadlineDec 15, 2026
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2027
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
Application DeadlineMar 1, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus Audition IFeb 15, 2026
On-Campus Audition IIMar 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
LETTER OF INTENT (required)
•1-2 pages, single-spaced
•Address: Why Dramaturgy? Why OU? Why you? Why now?
•What do you hope to gain from a BFA in Drama with an Emphasis in Dramaturgy?
•How will this degree help your projected career plans?
CRITICAL ESSAY (required)
•4-10 pages, double-spaced (including works cited)
•Share academic writing you are proud of (research papers, composition essays)
PROMPT RESPONSE OR CREATIVE WRITING SAMPLE (required — choose one)
•Prompt response: 4-10 pages, double-spaced — What work of art that you made or consumed has inspired and/or moved you the most? Why? What did you notice about the craft behind the work of art?
•Creative writing sample: 4-10 pages, any medium and/or genre
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
•One letter from someone who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and perseverance
•One letter from someone who can speak to your camaraderie and work ethic
RESUME (required)
•1-2 pages highlighting relevant theater AND academic experiences
UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT (required)
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit all materials through Acceptd
DUAL ADMISSION
•Must apply to the University of Oklahoma separately
•Not officially admitted to the School of Drama until the university has formally accepted you
IMPORTANT
•Must complete on-campus or virtual interview to be accepted into the program
What's The Process
INTERVIEW DAY
•Begins at 8:30 AM with informal breakfast and meet-and-greet with faculty and current students
•Morning includes informational sessions covering financial aid, scholarships, housing, and food services
•Dramaturgy interview addresses your work and interest in theater history, dramatic literature, criticism, dramaturgy, playwriting, and/or directing
•Virtual option: use slideshow or PDF; in-person: bring hard copy of materials
CONTACT
•drama_recruitment@ou.edu | (405) 325-4021
Scholarship Info
Multiple scholarships available including Ben Barnett, Theatre Guild, Resident/Non-Resident Tuition Waivers, Peggy Dow Helmerich Drama Scholarships, E. Frank Gilson, and more. Cash awards for individual achievement at year-end ceremony.
Program info updated 4h ago
PROGRAM DISTINCTION
•One of the few universities in the country to offer a BFA in Dramaturgy at the undergraduate level
•Excellent foundation for careers in dramaturgy, theatre history, directing, or playwriting, as well as graduate study
•Program is affiliated with Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA)
TRAINING
•Professional dramaturges work with playwrights on new play development and alongside directors during production
•Curriculum includes theatre history, dramatic literature, dramatic structures, directing, and a four-semester Dramaturgy Studio sequence
•Students gain cross-disciplinary exposure through the Drama Core (acting, design, stagecraft, lighting, costume construction)
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Helmerich School of Drama alumni include A. Max Weitzenhoffer, Broadway producer and Tony Award winner for The Will Rogers Follies; he also owns six West End theatres in London
•Fellow school alumni Adam Honore ('15, Lighting Design) — first OU drama alum to head a Broadway lighting design (Chicken & Biscuits, Ragtime, Purlie Victorious); 2024 Obie Award winner
•Ed Harris — four-time Oscar nominee and Obie Award winner who began his career at OU
•School-wide alumni include Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award winners
CAREER PREPARATION
•Low student-to-faculty ratio; curriculum taught by working professionals who maintain national profiles
•Summer internship and professional work encouraged by faculty
•OU is a recognized four-star research institution providing liberal arts education alongside conservatory training
Updated 4h ago
Academic School Information
3.63
Avg GPA (W)
77%
Admit Rate
75%
Grad Rate
22,734
Enrollment
$63,126
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,797
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,377
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$15,300
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$10,509
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,602
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,536
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,342
Family Income $110k+$20,986
